Memory Clinics & Alzheimer's Research Centers in Seattle

For a wider view of aging-in-place options, see the Seattle care guide.

Who in Seattle is most likely to seek a memory evaluation?

Seattle has 94,796 residents age 65 and older and 12,020 residents age 85 and older, the age groups most often evaluated when memory or daily-function changes appear. U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates also show 31,510 Seattle seniors living alone and a median household income of $121,984.

The CDC describes Alzheimer's disease as the most common type of dementia. CDC Alzheimer's and dementia overview Living alone can make follow-up visits, medication routines, and day-to-day safety harder to manage, which is why many families pair a clinic workup with help at home. This page does not estimate how many Seattle residents have dementia or Alzheimer's disease.

How can Seattle families find an NIA-designated Alzheimer's Disease Research Center?

Seattle families can find current NIA-designated Alzheimer's Disease Research Centers through the National Institute on Aging's public directories, which list funded centers nationwide. NIA-funded Alzheimer's Disease Research Centers conduct research on Alzheimer's disease and related dementias and may offer evaluation, education, or study opportunities, depending on the center. Designations and clinic locations change, so use the official listings rather than an unofficial phone book.

Start with the NIA finder for Alzheimer's Disease Research Centers, the NIA list of funded Alzheimer's Disease Research Centers, and the alzheimers.gov national research centers page. When you call a center, ask whether it serves Seattle-area patients, whether a physician referral is required, what a first visit includes, and whether research enrollment is separate from clinical care.

Which Seattle hospitals can families call about memory or geriatric services?

Several Seattle hospitals appear in CMS Hospital General Information with public names, addresses, ownership types, and overall star ratings, but CMS does not publish whether any of them has a dedicated memory, dementia, or geriatric unit. Call each hospital and ask directly whether it offers memory evaluation, geriatric consultation, or dementia-informed discharge planning.

Virginia Mason Medical Center is at 925 Seneca St, Seattle, WA 98101, phone (206) 223-6600. CMS lists it as an acute care hospital with voluntary non-profit private ownership, emergency services, and an overall rating of 5 out of 5.

University of Washington Medical Center is at 1959 NE Pacific St, Box 356151, Seattle, WA 98195, phone (206) 598-3300. CMS lists it as an acute care hospital with government-state ownership and an overall rating of 4 out of 5.

Swedish Medical Center is at 747 Broadway, Seattle, WA 98122, phone (206) 386-6000. CMS lists it as an acute care hospital with voluntary non-profit private ownership, emergency services, and an overall rating of 4 out of 5.

Swedish Medical Center / Cherry Hill is at 500 17th Avenue, Seattle, WA 98122, phone (206) 320-2000. CMS lists it as an acute care hospital with voluntary non-profit church ownership, emergency services, and an overall rating of 4 out of 5.

Harborview Medical Center is at 325 9th Avenue, Seattle, WA 98104, phone (206) 744-9535. CMS lists it as an acute care hospital with government-local ownership, emergency services, and an overall rating of 2 out of 5.

Seattle VA Medical Center (VA Puget Sound Healthcare System) is at 1660 S. Columbian Way, Seattle, WA 98108, phone (206) 764-2299. CMS lists it as an acute care Veterans Administration hospital with emergency services and an overall rating of 4 out of 5. Eligibility follows VA rules, so veterans and caregivers should confirm enrollment before booking.

Kaiser Permanente Central Hospital is at 201 to 16th Avenue East, Seattle, WA 98112, phone (206) 326-3000. CMS lists it as an acute care hospital with voluntary non-profit other ownership and emergency services. CMS has not assigned an overall star rating.

Navos, Inpatient Services is at 2600 Southwest Holden, Seattle, WA 98126, phone (206) 933-7299. CMS lists it as a psychiatric hospital with voluntary non-profit private ownership. CMS has not assigned an overall star rating. Confirm with Navos whether a given stay or program is appropriate; this listing is not a memory-clinic designation.

If a hospital stay is already underway, ask the care team how they plan for a patient with dementia, and review hospital discharge care if you will need support at home after discharge.

What does a first memory clinic visit typically involve?

A first memory clinic visit typically involves a medical and daily-function history, questions for the person and a family member, cognitive screening, and a physical or neurological exam. Staff may then discuss whether labs, imaging, or a follow-up visit are the next step. This is general information about how evaluations are often structured, not medical advice and not a description of any one Seattle clinic's protocol.

Families often bring a current medication list, glasses or hearing aids, prior test results, and notes on when symptoms started and how they affect cooking, driving, bills, or sleep. A companion who sees day-to-day changes can help fill gaps if the person being evaluated cannot recall details. Ask who will share results, how long the visit lasts, and whether a referral from a primary care clinician is required.

Do not expect a single appointment to answer every question. Many first visits focus on history and screening, with more testing later if the clinician recommends it.

Where can Seattle families get Alzheimer's support and education?

The Alzheimer's Association Washington State Chapter offers free support groups, care consultations, education programs, and a helpline for families across Washington State. Call 800-272-3900, or learn more from the Alzheimer's Association Washington State Chapter.

These services are educational and supportive. They do not replace a medical evaluation, and using them does not mean any named hospital or research center has reviewed or endorsed a particular care plan.

How can families arrange care at home after a clinic visit?

After a clinic visit, many Seattle families add companion help, personal care, or memory-focused support at home while they wait for follow-up appointments. Memory care at home can keep familiar routines in place. Companion care can help with supervision, conversation, and appointments. Personal care can assist with bathing, dressing, and other activities of daily living when those tasks become harder.

Some households need overnight or round-the-clock presence, which is where 24-hour live-in care may fit. Family caregivers who need a break can look at respite care. None of these options is a substitute for a clinician's evaluation, and no hospital or Alzheimer's organization listed on this page is claimed as a partner or endorser.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Seattle hospital has a memory clinic?

CMS Hospital General Information does not say whether Virginia Mason, UW Medical Center, Swedish, Harborview, VA Puget Sound, Kaiser Permanente Central Hospital, or Navos has a dedicated memory or geriatric unit. Call the hospital and ask about memory evaluation, geriatric services, and dementia-informed discharge planning.

What should we bring to a first memory clinic visit in Seattle?

Bring a medication list, insurance and identification cards, prior records if you have them, glasses or hearing aids, and a short timeline of memory or behavior changes. A family member or friend who can describe daily function is often useful. Confirm parking, visit length, and referral rules when you schedule.

How many people age 65 and older live in Seattle?

U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates report 94,796 Seattle residents age 65 and older, 12,020 age 85 and older, and 31,510 seniors living alone. Those figures describe the older population. They are not a count of people with dementia or Alzheimer's disease.

Who can Seattle caregivers call for Alzheimer's support tonight?

The Alzheimer's Association Washington State Chapter operates a helpline at 800-272-3900 and offers free support groups, care consultations, and education programs for families across Washington State.

Can someone with memory loss stay at home after a clinic visit?

Many people remain at home with added support, especially when a household member already helps with meals, medications, and safety. Home options can include companion visits, personal care, memory care at home, respite for family caregivers, or 24-hour live-in care. A clinic visit does not, by itself, decide where someone should live.